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HSF names new people chief, Ashurst names new BD chief
BigLaw firms Herbert Smith Freehills and Ashurst have appointed a new global chief people officer and a new chief business development officer, respectively.
Jerome Doraisamy
New chief people officer at HSF
Herbert Smith Freehills has appointed Jo McConnell (pictured) as its new global chief people officer, who will assume the role on 1 January.
She will be based in the firm’s Melbourne office and shall be charged with driving the firm’s “ambitious” people and culture strategy.
McConnell joins from Accenture, where she led the CEO Transformation practice across its growth markets. She brings more than three decades of experience in global and regional industries, including professional services, energy, financial services, and mining.
Speaking about the appointment, HSF global chief executive Justin D’Agostino said: “Our clients know that it is our high-performing and supportive teams, underpinned by an extraordinary culture, that is at the core of the market-leading outcomes that we deliver. Jo will lead our people and culture strategy globally – which brings insights and diverse perspectives from offices in almost 20 countries – and will support key growth areas for our clients, including energy transition, private capital and AI and technology.
“We are intentionally investing in developing and acquiring skills in these growth areas, such as in generative AI, which will bring increased career opportunities for our people and stronger outcomes for our clients. Jo brings deep experience in digital and organisational transformation, high-performance culture, as well as C-suite leadership development, and will help to lead the expansion of these capabilities globally.”
McConnell said: “Herbert Smith Freehills is known around the world for its exceptional people, teams, and culture – which underpins everything it does for its clients.
“I am joining this globally leading firm at a time when it is strengthening its investments in professional development and attraction of top talent, while embracing the opportunities presented by AI and rapid technological change.
“I look forward to working alongside an incredibly talented and dedicated team of HR professionals across our international network to lead the firm’s people and culture ambitions.”
New chief BD officer at Ashurst
Elsewhere, BigLaw practice Ashurst has appointed Adam Soames (pictured) as its new chief business development officer, effective 4 November.
He brings, the firm outlined, almost three decades of experience in professional services business development and marketing, as well as wider strategic business transformation and operational management, having worked at Deloitte, PwC and Grant Thornton.
He has come across from BigLaw rival Hogan Lovells, where he served as global head of BD and strategy for 17 years.
Soames will be based in the firm’s London office.
Speaking about the appointment, Ashurst executive partner of clients and markets Jamie Ng said: “Adam’s appointment to this leadership role is significant for our clients, markets and growth function.
“I’m excited to have Adam join Ashurst and look forward to integrating him into the firm to support our priority growth areas. Adam and I will work closely together to drive our 2027 strategy for our clients, evolve the function and achieve our ambitions for the firm. I’m eager to seize the opportunities ahead of us.”
Soames said: “I’m delighted to join Ashurst and become part of this dynamic, innovative and ambitious firm. The firm’s vision, values and culture really stand out for me, along with its absolute commitment to delivering outstanding client service with an exceptional commercial focus.
“I look forward to working with Jamie, the rest of the leadership team, and the talented team I will be leading to drive the firm’s continued growth and success.”
Jerome Doraisamy
Jerome Doraisamy is the editor of Lawyers Weekly. A former lawyer, he has worked at Momentum Media as a journalist on Lawyers Weekly since February 2018, and has served as editor since March 2022. He is also the host of all five shows under The Lawyers Weekly Podcast Network, and has overseen the brand's audio medium growth from 4,000 downloads per month to over 60,000 downloads per month, making The Lawyers Weekly Show the most popular industry-specific podcast in Australia. Jerome is also the author of The Wellness Doctrines book series, an admitted solicitor in NSW, and a board director of Minds Count.
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